Leveraging "Local Forces"

Thanks to the mobility and readiness of the forces at the grassroots level, the response and mitigation of the consequences of the floods were very timely and effective, contributing to reducing damage to people and property.

The speedboat from Hiep Duc commune rescued many people in the flooded area. Photo: HD

The reluctant ferryman

Captain Cao Dang Phu is the central figure of this story. Although he retired under Decree 178 on July 1st, during the recent historic floods, Phu (formerly working at the Hiep Duc District Military Command, now under the Command of Defense Zone 3) became an "unwilling canoe driver," working alongside local authorities to rescue many people from danger.

According to Le Quang Quynh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Hiep Duc commune, the recent floods caused by heavy rain and the operation of the hydroelectric dam resulted in rising water levels. Anticipating a worst-case scenario where severe flooding would occur in many areas, the commune held an emergency meeting and requested an immediate rescue boat.

Initially, the commune leaders requested assistance in connecting with a canoe. However, the option of bringing a canoe was too far and impractical, so the commune decided to requisition an old canoe from the Hiep Duc District Police. Although the canoe had been unused for a long time and had not yet been officially handed over to the commune, in the face of the emergency, the commune leaders decisively requisitioned it and hired mechanics to repair it so that it could be operational in time to rescue people.

“After the canoe was repaired, we couldn’t find the driver. We contacted the Command Center of Defense Zone 3, and they agreed to send someone from Bac Tra My, but that was very difficult. Then, the unit introduced the case of Mr. Cao Dang Phu to the commune. When the commune contacted him, Mr. Phu immediately agreed to participate in the rescue,” Mr. Quynh recounted.

Thanks to the flexibility of the commune leaders and the sense of responsibility of Mr. Phu, on October 29th and 30th, the canoe of Hiep Duc commune promptly rescued 13 critical cases. Among them, two people with heart conditions and those bitten by venomous snakes were transported from the flooded area to the Medical Center for emergency treatment by Mr. Phu and the coordinating forces; 11 people in Tan Thuan village were evacuated to safety when the water level was approaching the mezzanine floor, after the commune received a distress call and directed the canoe to reach them in time.

Sharing about his work, Mr. Cao Dang Phu said that he had previously participated in the disaster prevention and search and rescue force of the former Quang Nam Provincial Military Command. He also holds a certificate for operating inland waterway vessels. Therefore, when he received the request from the commune, he did not hesitate and immediately came to participate in the rescue. “Operating a canoe is not too difficult, but it requires experience to observe and manage the vessel, avoiding obstacles in complex flood conditions. I am very happy to be able to contribute to the rescue and relocation of people in emergency situations alongside the local authorities,” Mr. Phu shared.

Put aside personal matters and focus on the common good.

According to Mr. Le Quang Quynh, although local authorities at both levels have become operational, the commune has hardly been equipped with any means or supplies for disaster response. The commune mainly prepares some supplies and boats from local residents.

Authorities in Hiep Duc commune promptly evacuated many residents from the flooded area. Photo: HD

Drawing lessons from the recent historic flood, the commune will mobilize resources to immediately equip itself with necessary equipment for immediate response.

“Along with local forces, local equipment is absolutely essential. Without specialized canoes and boats to access deeply flooded areas to transport people and provide emergency rescue, we don't know what would happen… Therefore, one way or another, we must still equip ourselves with the most basic local equipment,” Mr. Quynh shared.

Not only in Hiep Duc, but the proactive and flexible spirit of grassroots forces in many localities, with the motto "4 on-the-spot" (referring to local response measures), has become the "key" to helping the government and people overcome severe natural disasters. Ms. Briu Thi Nem, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Avuong commune, believes that collective strength is the "weapon" that helps people in the highlands support each other to overcome natural disasters and floods.

Ms. Nem recounted numerous serious landslides in the highlands, particularly in Atếep village, which isolated many households and left them homeless. In response to this emergency, the commune mobilized the Fatherland Front and other organizations to carry food and supplies to the people of Atếep. Ms. Nem stated that many members of the commune's disaster relief force had to remain on duty 24/7 for many days to respond to the situation, temporarily setting aside family matters to help the community.

For example, consider the case of the Youth Union Secretary and the Police Chief of the commune. Although their homes were severely affected by landslides, and their wives and children had to be relocated, they remained steadfast in fulfilling their duties for the common good.

“The Youth Union Secretary's house was damaged by a landslide, destroying both the kitchen and the toilet. His relatives had to relocate and stay with neighbors in the village. Putting aside family matters, he still actively fulfilled his duties for the commune, including leading a relief team on foot into Atếêp village. Even at one point, his wife was ill and needed emergency medical attention,” Mrs. Nem shared.

In Tra Van commune, the Chairman of the People's Committee, Nguyen Tan Thanh, shared with us images of the efforts of the commune's administrative staff who had to use motorbikes to travel to areas with phone and internet signal to send relevant reports, despite the extremely dangerous conditions of rain, floods, and landslides.

Mr. Thanh said that in the commune, the coverage rate of telecommunications and electricity is still low. In conditions of landslides and prolonged heavy rain, signal gaps and loss of signal are inevitable. To report to the city promptly, the team has to search for places with signal. Sometimes, an entire hillside might only have one spot with a signal, so we have to move around to ensure the information is sent in a timely manner.

According to Mr. Thanh, the role of the village-level forces, guided by the "four on-the-spot" principle, cannot be overlooked. Thanks to the prestige and active role of the village head, the Party branch secretary, and other village officials, flood prevention and response efforts in the highlands have been implemented smoothly. A prime example is the effective dissemination of information and mobilization of villagers to comply with relocation policies, ensuring their safety and stockpiling food to cope with floods.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/phat-huy-luc-luong-tai-cho-3309108.html